Freeman gets starting nod for Vikings

Josh Freeman was named the Vikings starting quarterback for Monday night's game against the New York Giants.

Coach Leslie Frazier made the announcement at noon following the Vikings' morning practice, where Freeman took reps with the first-team offense for the first time.

Freeman was expected to meet with the media this afternoon.

Christian Ponder spoke to reporters coming off the field, and said his future in Minnesota was "uncertain." Ponder will be the backup on Monday. Matt Cassel, who took over when Ponder was sidelined because of a broken rib for Game 4 of the season, will be the third stringer.

Frazier said Freeman has spent a lot of time digesting the team's offense since he was picked up 10 days ago. Freeman was released by Tampa Bay, and chose the Vikings, presuming it would give him the best opportunity to start right away.

Adrian Peterson missed the practice for personal reasons. His 2-year-old son died last Friday in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Matt Vensel is in his first year at the Star Tribune after covering the Ravens for the Baltimore Sun for six years. He is a Pittsburgh native and a Penn State grad. Follow him at @mattvensel.

Mark Craig has covered the NFL for 23 years, and the Vikings since 2003 for the Star Tribune. He is one of 44 Pro Football Hall of Fame selectors. Follow him at @markcraignfl.

Master Tesfatsion is the Star Tribune’s digital Vikings writer. He is a 2013 graduate of Arizona State and worked for mlb.com before arriving in Minneapolis. Follow him at @masterstrib.